Archive for the ‘Cardinal Values / NH’ Category

Namaskar,
Here is one teaching from Baba that is highly related with the present-day humanity.

BABA’S SPECIAL TEACHING

“Give each person an aeroplane – very good. “I shall make efforts for each person to have an aeroplane.” Happiness in collective life is very good, but in personal life there should be sacrifice. If there is no sacrifice in personal life, there can never be joy and happiness in collective life. If one person possesses one crore (10 million) rupees and others do not have even sattu (1) there can never be universal well-being in that society or country. One should renounce all luxuries in personal life – all should live happily together. All are the children of the Supreme Father, all should live happily.” (Discourse: Swastika Flag)

(1) Sattu: Flour made from roasted gram (also called chick-pea or garbanzo) or sometimes roasted barley or maize (corn).

In His above guideline, Baba is teaching us that wherever there is great disparity of wealth, wherever there is economic exploitation, wherever there are haves and have-nots, and wherever some are rolling in luxury while others scrounge to get a morsel of food, there will never be peace and harmony in society. Rather there will be rampant thievery, robberies, and a high crime rate.

Nowadays in this era of extreme capitalism, security has increased multi-fold because people have lost trust in one another. There are cameras and surveillance systems on every corner, the police force has become huge, border agents secure all national boundaries, passports and identification are needed to go from place to place, and verily security has been heightened in all levels of society. There is always a camera watching what you are doing. In short, there is a blatant lack of trust in all directions. Everyone thinks the next person may harm them or steal from them.

In the past, perhaps 40 – 60 years ago, such steps were not necessary. Because in those days, the wealth disparity was not so huge.

But now when people think money and material wealth are everything, then they will do anything to accrue more wealth. That brings widespread distrust. What to think of the rich not trusting the poor, people do not trust their neighbors, and parents do not trust their children. Because when material wealth itself is finite and limited, then people become suspicious and fearful: They think that if they do not grab the wealth then someone else will. In this materialistic era, all other human values have become lost; they are but a distant memory. Money reigns supreme.

In such a condition where a privileged few hoard most of the wealth, and money is looked upon as everything, there can never be peace, safety, and security in society. Social harmony and happiness only comes when importance is given to human cardinal values – and only when the rich renounce their wealth and live along side the common people. Only when there is a rational distribution of wealth and the principles of Prout are in place will we have a true human society where all live cooperatively as children of the Supreme Father.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Nataraj

Note: The translation of Baba’s above teaching from the original Hindi to English was done by Dr. T.R. Sukul ji.

Namaskar,
Although some radical fundamentalists do exist in every religion – they are comparatively few in number. Here the term radical refers to those who blindly follow negative and detrimental theories based on irrational ideas devoid of logic and reasoning. Strictly following bhagavad dharma is not radical as it is based on rationality and for universal well-being. If someone is an adherent of harmful dogmatic teachings from the religions, then surely they are radical.

Here Baba points out the defective mind-set of such persons.

“It is very difficult to persuade religious bigots to follow the path of logic because according to them even to listen to others is a sinful act. This is nothing but mere sentiment. According to some religions beef eating is forbidden but the killing of deer and goats is permissible. This is totally irrational.” (1)

Thus in this age of reasoning, most are not convinced or drawn in by religious leaders. Because when those religious leaders themselves do not follow the path of logic, then the common people just think such priests etc are outdated. For this reason the various religions are shrinking.

RELIGION IS FADING

In comparison to a 100 years ago, religion on the whole is a much weaker force than it used to be. In the middle ages, millions were killed in the name of religion during the crusades. Today however, religion is no longer the dominating influence in peoples’ lives. Mostly it is just a namesake – i.e. something that people passively follow.

Most do not ardently adhere to the various religious rituals and mandates. People no longer base their lives on what the scriptures say. With the rise of science, people depend more on their logic and reasoning. They are no longer moved or swayed by irrational religious doctrines. Hence religion is fading away in most parts of the globe.

MUST NOT INCITE REVIVAL

However, if an overtly offensive attack is launched against those religions on the sentimental plane – such as by burning their holy books etc – then there will be tremendous backlash. There will be a major uprising as waves of those followers will staunchly line up behind their religion.

“Through such religions it is next to impossible to establish unity in the society. Religious differences should be minimized as much as possible, but it should be remembered that blind faith in a religion cannot be forcibly eliminated. To strike at any type of sentiment will only cause that sentiment to grow stronger.” (2)

Why do we see – from time to time – profane language used by one religious follower to another? Because of some political gain. This has happened time and again. It has happened in the past and will recur in the future. Intelligent people should always be alert and aware of such tactics. Those not in power incite tense situations to get the power and thereby create chaos in the society. This unfortunate maneuver occurs all around the globe. When we see such incidents it means some political gain is at stake. Those not in power want to come in power by escalating the situation and creating differences.

One political party did this in the USA in 2009 & 2011 – before the upcoming elections – whereby they spoke out against Muslims to ignite the Christian fundamentalists. That political party thought that by this way the can regain their political might. And a similar event occurred in India surrounding the Babri mosque whereby Hindus clashed with Muslims to rally people and regain power. For more about these incident see the link at the bottom of this letter.

The key point here is that if we allow people to create religious conflicts by such ploys then fissiparious tendencies and divisive forces will rise and society will be torn apart. All remnants of peace will be gone.

Thus to lambaste any religion on sentimental grounds will only make matters worse. That is Baba’s pointed warning. Religious leaders can only rely on sentiment and emotion to rally their people – they cannot say “use your brain” because the religions do not adhere to rational teachings.

So if we attack their religious sentiment by insulting their holy texts then that will only invite a dogmatic resurgence of that religion. Everyone, inside and outside of Ananda Marga, must be careful about this.

HOW MUST WE PROCEED

Here Baba outlines what our approach must be in order to create peace and harmony in the society.

“Psychological methods will have to be employed to make people realize the irrational nature of blind religious faith. This requires a rational interpretation of philosophy through enlightened intellect. When the human mind is gripped by the fear psychology it gives indulgence to blind faith rather than logic and reason. If human fear is removed through logic and reason, the very basis for blind faith will be weakened. That is why human beings will have to be taught philosophical doctrines in a rational way.” (3)

Thus we are to generate interest in logic and reasoning within the common people. Gradually those believers will begin to use their brain and that is the most opportune time to teach them. So logic and reasoning are our faithful tools to combat religious dogmas. Resorting to insulting behaviours and / or belittling their faith will not do.

Furthermore in His teachings on neo-humanism, Baba guides us to fight against isms and dogmas with our logic & reasoning. And that logic and reasoning can only be successful if one has inherent love for all of humanity. Such persons are sadvipras. They only can wipe away dogmas and isms.

If politicians try to crush, suppress or push aside the religions then they will fail. The communists tried that scheme but they could not smother those religions. Rather such religions flourished underground.

“It should be remembered that there are certain differences in the society which should be taken into proper consideration. These differences are usually removed through natural fusion. It is not possible to eradicate them by force. When human beings come close to each other with a genuine feeling of unity, when they share the common joys and sorrows of life, those external differences gradually vanish as a matter of course. In the human society there are four main types of external differences: food, dress, language and religion.” (4)

That is why Baba encourages inter-caste, inter-race & international marriages. And indeed we see that in any metropolitan city around the globe where there is a wide representation of diverse ethnic groups living and working together, such as in New York, Sao Paulo, or London, etc such types of heated social problems are much less.

We should rally around similarities not differences. We can also encourage rational philosophical discussions as that will clear up the minds of students.

IMPORTANCE OF FREE THINKING

The most detrimental aspect of religion is that people stop using their brain. In any era, or country or place where religion is very dominant, people are forced to blindly follow dogmatic edicts and keep away from rational analysis. In that way, they degrade themselves to near animals.

This is not just limited to religious affairs but in all spheres of life those believers become accustomed to blindly following certain politicians and radio show hosts. A leader declares: “Vote for this candidate”, “support this proposition”, “buy this product”, and the people respond – blindly. So their habit to passively follow and obey – without using their brain or critical intellect – applies to social, political, and economic life as well. Verily that habit of not using their brain in other spheres of life is the by-product of religion.

Everyone knows that the rational intellect is the unique quality of being human yet the religions mostly force people not to use their intellect – they stifle the entire method of free inquiry and open discussion. If we gradually encourage logic and reasoning – especially with youths – then gradually the hateful religions will be a relic of the past.

That is why Ananda Marga is working hard to establish educational and neo-humanistic institutions around the globe.

The rate at which religion is fading now is staggering; it is on a big downturn. We must raise the slogan of intellectual freedom and rational thinking. Then we can get success because religion does not allow such logic and reasoning.

In contrast, if we allow impulsive and fiery preachers to burn the Koran, Bible, Torah, Giita etc, then that will only ignite the flames of religious outcry and rebellion. That will be counter-productive.

RELIGIOUS DIALOG:

PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSION VERSUS ATTACK ON SENTIMENT

As margiis we should understand Baba’s guideline for discussing the religions.

In Ananda Marga, we appreciate healthy debates on philosophical grounds based on religious teaching and preachings. Hence we can respectfully speak about the loopholes of any of the religions in a very psychological manner. For instance in Christianity we can debate their positions on heaven, hell, and Satan etc, and with Hindus we can raise the point of idol worship etc. We can discuss why these things are right or wrong with regard to all the religions.

But these philosophical discussions must be carried out in a very respectful and dignified manner. There must not be one bit of hatred or disrespect towards any religion. On this very point Baba says in Caryacarya:

“Never attack the religious beliefs of anyone. Make the person understand gradually with logic. If you attack a person’s religious beliefs, it means you have attacked Ananda Marga.” (5)

So we do not appreciate any type of attack on one’s religious sentiments. That means no bible burning, no Koran burning, no destroying of idols, no cartoons about Mohammad, no wall writing about the religions using offensive language etc.

It is fine to politely discuss the defects of idol worship but we should not stand from afar and hurl rocks at those Hindu temples.

Debating the principles is very important, Baba says we should do that. But we must not hurt their emotional or sentimental feelings of their religion. That will only lead to social chaos and and rouse the followers behind those religions. Because at that time their rational brain is not functioning, rather their ego and emotions are dominating. That is why the problems will escalate.

IMPORTANCE OF FREE INQUIRY

The question comes: Why should we encourage philosophical debates? Because we believe in the liberation of intellect and free use of logic and reasoning. Before choosing any religion, one should use their brain as to how far it is logically meaningful.

We see in the society that when some people purchase anything they consider how they should spend their money. But when committing their entire heart and emotional feeling to a certain religion then they do not use their brain. They do not question its veracity.

For instance, Hindus believe that if you hold the tail of a cow on the bank of the Ganges in Varanasi and pay a priest 50 rupees to recite the rituals for “godana puja”, then you will go to eternal heaven and receive all kinds of luxuries and niceties.

Likewise in Catholicism, if a follower confesses their sin and gives money to the priest then their sin removed and a seat is reserved for them in heaven. And similar tactics are done in Islam and Judaism as well. Followers are led by tales and tall talks.

Such an approach is not good. Everyone should use their brain and logic and see how far it is rational to surrender to those religious beliefs and theories.

In any geographical region where education is prevalent, the grip of religious dogma is melting fast. But where people are not well educated, they are more prone to illogical beliefs, rituals and dogma. So education is very important. It should not be forgotten that even in America 14% of the population is illiterate – they cannot comprehend the newspaper. Thus we must work hard to raise the intellectual standard of all peoples in all countries – that will help promote an environment of all-round respect and cordiality.

WHAT TO BE DONE

With the rise of science, logic, and reasoning, the influence of religion is far less than it used to be. However, if anyone insults, taunts, and attacks any religion, then those blind religious followers will create an uproar. Unfortunately, some resort to desecrating and destroying religious symbols – as one religious preacher threatened & burned the Koran (Quran) etc – and that only creates more harm in society.

As in the case of all critical issues, as Ananda Margiis we should be crystal-clear about Baba’s teaching. We should know our stand – i.e. the stand of Ananda Marga. Thus if someone threatens to publicly burn the Bible or the Koran, or draws a caricature of Mohammed, or mocks Hindu idol worship etc, we should know how to respond and intervene.

Specifically, (a) what is our policy with regards to the burning of holy books from the various religions, (b) what are our weapons against such religions, and (c) on what level can we address religious claims.

To reach these answers, we must adhere to Baba’s, our Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji’s, aforementioned key guidelines about the various dogmatic religions.

THERE MUST BE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Baba has graciously given us all the teachings to form a harmonious human society. We must pay heed to His guideline of not hurting anyone’s religious sentiment nor should we try and forcefully root out any dogma by methods of suppression, repression, or terror. We are all one people – brother and sisters – united in under the loving shelter of one God. Whatever differences we have must be sorted out in a respectful, safe, and diplomatic manner.

“The more human beings live in unity, shoulder to shoulder, the greater the welfare of the human race will be. Let no one try to suppress others on the basis of nationality, language, religion or anything else in any sphere of life. Let the path of full expression of human intelligence be kept open forever.” (6)

O’ Parama Purusa, by Your grace I have lost my own individual rhythm. Now I want to dance in Your Cosmic rhythm. I do not have any language, tune, or proper voice by which I can sing Your glory. So I sing Your name completely depending on Your grace.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, I did not come here on this earth with any attributions, qualities, or wealth. I came empty-handed and I will go empty-handed. I will not go back with a huge treasury. Whatever sin or negative deeds I performed, those reactive momenta should remain along with me and I am ready to suffer the consequences. But whatever good things I did, making the garland of those virtues, I offer You the mala. So I am ready to face my sin but my virtue You please take. Baba, I am offering all my virtues as a mala…

Namaskar,
Back in the Mahabharat era, Karna suffered a life of ignominy and disrepute because of his birth.

According to the Hindu code, Karna’s birth was a sin. In that era of old, giving birth out of wedlock was one of the worst and most unworthy things a lady could do. While in Ananda Marga we also do not appreciate pre-marital relations etc, but we will do not punish or blackball the child. But in that era of old they did like that. Giving birth without having a husband, giving birth to a baby who has no father was a veritable sin. And both mother and baby were ostracized. Such was the social code of the day. Thus Karna was stigmatized his entire life and looked upon as untouchable, or stained.

“Karna also was not permitted to ascend the throne because he was born before marriage, but what wrong did he do?” (1)

So Baba does not give any credence to the idea that the innocent baby should be blamed. Baba wholly rejects the idea that Karna was a black-spot and should therefore have lived a life of disrepute. Rather, on the point of his existential quality, Baba has given maximum respect to Karna. Baba’s viewpoint is that no blame or disrespect is to be attached with the baby who was born out of wedlock.

EVERY CHILD SHOULD BE EMBRACED BY SOCIETY

In Ananda Marga, we have learned this lesson: Regardless of their birth, every child should have equal opportunity to live a reputable life. There is no reason for anyone to suffer due to the circumstances surrounding their birth like Karna had to do. That is Baba’s teaching.

So this is one point about the abortion issue: Namely there is no reason to abort a pregnancy because the baby, born out of wedlock, will not be welcomed by the society. Baba has clearly told that there is no scope for this. All children should be looked upon with love and affection by the whole society and assured a bright future.

MUST NOT OBJECTIFY WOMEN

We should bear in mind that this entire issue is not limited to being a woman’s issue, but a societal one. At present throughout the world, women are commonly looked upon as objects of male gratification. Advertisements, fashion, and the overall social climate point to females as being sexual objects. That makes them targets of attacks by men. When not aptly channelized, the glandular system of men keeps them always under the spell of sexual allurement, whereas a woman’s desire goes in cycles.

If females are consistently displayed in a way that peak men’s interest, they will be more prone to attacks. Hence, great steps need to be taken to protect women. Secondly, men need to be educated and taught from a young age that they are to respect women as dignified members of society. The sooner such societal norms are established, then the whole problem causing females to want to have an abortion will be essentially eliminated.

This is an important aspect of the issue. Let’s now continue with the idea of using abortion as a tool to distance women from emotional scarring.

WHY PEOPLE ABORT:

CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Here are some of the common reasons why people opt for abortion in the present-day materialistic society, as well as how these isssues will be solved in a Proutistic social order.

(a) Poverty: Nowadays, some opt for abortions due to financial pressures and economic constraints. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic society, the caring and rearing of child is society’s responsibility.

(b) Career Aims: Nowadays, many involve 50 – 60 hrs per week in their career to gain prestige, status, financial wealth. When both male and female engage in this way, there is no time or desire to have children. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic society, people will not define themselves by their career, and they will not have to work as much. Hence there will be time and mental space for society building, i.e. rearing and raising children.

(c) Sex is for Enjoyment: In materialistic communities, sexual gratification is viewed as the be-all of life and the key to happiness. In that situation, there are bound to be a high number of unwanted pregnancies because people were only maintaining sexual relations for animlaistic pleasure. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic social order where people are encouraged to engage in higher pursuits and realise spiritual bliss, then sex for enjoyment becomes a non-issue.

(d) Gender Bias: In certain countries there is tremendous preference to give birth to boys, not girls. This leads to a certain number of abortions each year. In the neo-humanistic social order, there will be gender equality and hence there will not be a bias for girls of boys. Every child will be welcomed, irrespective of their gender.

(e) Cohabitation: In this materialistic era, males and females co-habitate and mix freely, causing unwanted pregnancies etc. In a neo-humanistic social order, only those who are married will co-habitate.

(f) Autism / Birth Defects: In materialistic societies, there are no restrictions on who can produce children. When unfit couples find their unborn child has a brain problem or deficiency, they may opt to abort the pregnancy. In a neo-humanistic social order, there is a keen watch that only those of a proper standard have the opportunity and right to bear children.

ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN…

The ideals expressed in this letter – i.e. that there not be any abortions – cannot come to fruition in isolation. To achieve this end, so many Proutistic and neo-humanistic principles need to be implemented: Life is not for carnal desires, sex is not a tool for happiness, no use of intoxicants, proper diet and dealing, no free mixing of the sexes, no pseudo-culture / sensual movies etc, and other approaches. Only when these ideals are established, and spirituality is embraced, will the views expressed herein take manifestation on the collective level.

Those who are pessimists say that, “It will never happen.” However, right-minded persons can easily understand that when the seed is planted naturally it will sprout. Who could think that inter-caste marriages will occur in India, or that women will gain the right to vote, or that a woman will become a head of state, or that cigarette smoking in an office will be banned in the US, or so many things that are occurring nowadays. Positive changes are taking firm hold fast. This will naturally occur with abortion as well. Thus, on the collective level it may take some time but it is doing to come.

Those who are sincere Ananda Margiis – i.e. those not drowned in pseudo-culture – can realise this and bring this into their own life practice immediately. This letter is about practicing this point first on the individual level.

There is not question of trying to forcibly impose a no-abortion rule on the entire society. First, a tremendous amount of education is needed. Only then will the grip of pseudo-culture on society be loosened. Invariably, though people will understand the futility of materialism and aim for something higher. Then all the ideals expressed in this letter will surely take shape.

So no pessimistic-minded person should sit back and wonder how this will never happen. It will happen. Just as today, people think how those primitive humans followed so many dogmas because they were not aware, similarly in the next era, people will certainly joke about the materialistic ways of this present era. Changes are happening fast, and we should all be ready to usher in that new era.

To implement the lofty ideals of neo-humanism and create an abortion-free society, we must follow the various do’s and don’ts of Ananda Marga conduct rules. Then abortion will become a thing of the past.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

In today’s world, abortion is an often misunderstood issue, especially among materialistic-minded liberals. As Ananda Margiis we must not be influenced by the various groups arguing one way or another on the issue.

We are to take a step back and see the big picture and apply the golden teachings of Ananda Marga ideology. We should embrace the mother and child as victims and give the child scope to lead an honourable life. The innocent child’s life must not be aborted. In our human family there is no scope for abortions, regardless of the circumstance. Each and every human life is invaluable and sacred and cannot be tossed aside or killed unjustly, as abortions do.

There is only one circumstance wherein abortion is permissible & morally acceptable. If the pregnant mother’s life is in danger – and if a team of doctors fully agree that both the mother and baby cannot survive – then an abortion may be performed to save the mother’s life. That is the only instance when abortion can be condoned: Only to save another life. In all other circumstances, the baby’s life should be saved and cherished and the mother given proper standing in society.

OUR DUTY TO SOCIETY

In Ananda Marga, Baba wants us to be the leaders, on the cutting-edge, of every issue. We should never fall prey to social stigmas or dogmas. We are to be the harbingers in leading the society forward.

That means on all social issues, like abortion, we should guide the society toward a proper and dharmic understanding. We should establish new norms based on neo-humanism that serve the society well.

In Ananda Marga, everyone understands that our motto is ‘live and let live’ and that we do not support abortion. This is the general rule and most follow this.

Yet, there remains certain key circumstances that need clarification. And that is what this letter aimed to address.

Here are some of Baba’s related teachings on this topic.

ACARYA GUIDELINE: LIFE STARTS IN THE WOMB

In the ‘Pranayama’ chapter of our Acarya Diary, Baba describes the process of breathing and how it relates with life and death.

Baba tells how death occurs on the exhale and life begins on an inhale.

Now here comes the critical point: Baba tells that when an old person dies upon their final exhalation, then their next inhalation occurs when their next life begins as an embryo in the mother’s womb. That is Baba’s direct guideline.

The key point then is that Baba is clearly defining that life begins inside the mothers womb. That developing embryo, that unborn babe, is indeed alive. That human embryo is a living, breathing being.

In that case, we have no right to curtail or destroy the life of that unborn child, irregardless of the circumstances.

So every abortion is a direct contravention of Baba’s divine teaching.

ABORTION IS A HEINOUS CRIME, NAY A SIN

No matter what the doctors may say, no matter what the social workers may say, no matter what the judges in the court may say, each and every abortion is a violation of cardinal human values. To abort a baby is to
commit a sin.

“If the violation is in the spiritual code, rather the religious code, it is termed as ‘sin’. If the violation is against the legal code it is known as ‘crime’.” (2)

If one breaks the law, one may be able to hide from the sheriff, the police, and the courts etc, but when one commits a sin, a distinct samskara is formed, and one can never escape. It is impossible.

“You are free to act, but you are bound to undergo the reaction. The moment you do an act you acquire the possibility of its reaction. Simultaneously with the performance of an act is being done, the seed for its reaction is also sown and its consequences have to be undergone. There is no escape from it. It is not within your right to get rid of it or to escape its fruits and consequences.” (3)

So there is no escape for those who are involved in aborting babes. The termination of that human life carries a dark samskara. It is the equivalent of murder and one will have to undergo that reaction. There
is no alternative.

“THEIR FUTURE IS SEALED FOREVER”

Aborting the life of an innocent child is directly contrary to Baba’s below teaching.

“Everybody should be given the chance, or circumstances should be created, such that nobody gets the scope to feel their future is sealed forever, is blocked. So let everyone feel that everybody in this expressed universe belongs to the same big human family.” (4)

Here again Baba reminds us to watch over those in need, like a defenseless child.

“Help the weak and the helpless in all possible ways.” (5)

Baba’s next teaching states that the child in the womb treasures their own life and does not wish to be killed prematurely by an abortion.

“Have mercy on all living beings.”

Pra’n’a’h yatha’tmano…

“Just as your life is extremely dear to you, similarly the lives of others are equally dear to them. A person who thinks thus and shows mercy on other creatures is really a sa’dhu, or virtuous person.” (6)

O’ Parama Purusa,, O’ Supreme One, Your divine creation is very colorful. All kinds of people are there. Some get human life, do sadhana, and ultimately become one with divinity. And some people do various misdeeds and move along the path of negative pratisaincara until finally they get lost in oblivion – cimmerian darkness. Some want only You; while others do not want You, instead they want some boon or some gift from You. So this world is colorful.

O’ my Lord, some are rushing towards the allurements of glittering objects, shining stars, or superficial worldly attractions. And some are absorbed in crying over their old outdated memories, deserted flower gardens, and skeletons of the past. In that way they waste their time. While those who are great devotees have accepted You as the Supreme quintessence and they want only You.

Baba, O’ Divine Entity, some are busy in intellectualizing about Your karuna and grace – and they never get the real sweetness. Just they are jinanis involved in their own extravaganza. And some are dancing in the joy and happiness. Such devotees cannot be satiated by anything except You. You are everything for them. Those who surrendered at Your lotus feet they are the ones who pass their whole life dancing in the ecstasy of Your divine love.

Baba, Your entire creation has so many types of people and various colours. Only the life of the devotee is filled with happiness and bliss…

Namaskar,
One day Baba’s laokik brother was contemplating where to send his son, Niltu, for his schooling.

Although his plan was to ask Baba for advice, first he brought the matter to various Dadas for their thoughts and suggestions. They were telling him to send his young boy Niltu to one of those prestigious, non-margii schools in Kolkata that offered so-called top-notch facilities and a “high-standard of education”.

After discussing the matter with numerous acaryas, he approached Baba for His suggestion.

Everyone was thinking that Baba will also suggest a fancy school in Kolkata for Niltu to pursue his studies. But that was not Baba’s reply. Instead Baba advised that Niltu should attend the school in Ananda Nagar and get his education there.

Those who heard this felt surprised because those days Ananda Nagar was lacking even the most basic facilities. Yet it was Baba’s firm recommendation that Niltu should do his schooling on our Ananda Marga Master Unit. Ultimately, Niltu attended our Ananda Marga schools in Ananda Nagar.

THE WAY BABA DID WITH GAUTAM

That case of Niltu’s education is not an isolated one. When Baba’s first laokik son Gautam was living with Him – those days before 1970 – then he too attended an Ananda Marga school.

This stands as one clear path for raising our own children, as well as guiding others, if they ask our suggestion.

ANANDA MARGA / NEO-HUMANIST EDUCATION

The main idea is that our Guru has created one beautiful, unique approach: Neo-humanistic education. We need only to accept it and bring it into practice. Naturally there will be a “learning curve”, but the more we practically adopt neo-humanistic learning centers / Ananda Marga schools in our own lives, the better and more established those schools will become. We should not sit back and wait for others to make our Ananda Marga schools famous and well-reputed. We should step forward.

As we know, the Ananda Marga system of neo-humanistic education is the solution for the present-day crisis in schools. But, if in place of using or recommending our Ananda Marga schools, we follow another path, then that is not at all helpful. Rather, it will hinder or even halt progress. The situation may become more complicated and the problem may multiply.

Here Baba guides us how the Ananda Marga system of education aims at the all-round development of the human personality. Neo-humanistic education recognises all realms of life: Physical, psychic, social, moral, and spiritual. In contrast, other systems of education, especially western / materialistic approaches, fall far short of the mark. They merely train students to be money-making machines. They do not address high ideals like a sense of duty, sacrifice, service, or spiritual outlook – all of which are pillars for making an ideal human being. Such qualities are entirely lacking in the western model.

“Defective systems of education also strike a blow at pra’na dharma’…Ananda Marga is ever vigilant in this regard. The Ananda Marga system of education has been formulated in such a way that the fundamental pra’na dharma’ of humanity has been fully recognised. The educational system of our schools is based on the principle of pra’na dharma. It includes the study of various aspects of modern branches of human knowledge, as well as the development of qualities such as reverence, good manners, humility, dignity of labor, social consciousness etc. The western system of education has miserably failed to inculcate these rare qualities in the students minds.” (1)

OUR MODEL OF NEO-HUMANISTIC EDUCATION

IMPORTANT TENETS AND AIMS:

As we know, our neo-humanistic educational model aims for the all-round development of the human personality. Here are a list of topics, approaches, and strategies that are inculcated in our educational system:

1. Emphasis placed on duty, sacrifice, service, and cosmic outlook: These qualities can be inculcated only through sadhana, a spiritual, God-centered vision, as well as via role-models who verily embody these principles. Perhaps above all else, this is the absolute specialty of Ananda Marga and our neo-humanistic model.

2. Infusing within the student a sense of inquiry and reflection: What is life? Children should be encouraged and taught to contemplate and discuss the true value of human life. With sadhana and proper guidance, they will easily understand how they should conduct themselves in order to reach the Goal.

3. Asking and answering big questions:
(a) Who am I?
(b) From where have I come?
(c) What is the destination of my life?
(d) What happens after death?
(e) What is my relation with this creation?
(f) Under Whom do I take shelter?
(g) What is the purpose of life and death?

All these queries, which are verily absent from the present-day western model of education, are key principles of neo-humanistic education. We are to cultivate within the student a broad vision and empower them with the ability and insight to realize their place in this cosmos. By addressing such grand philosophical teachings through practical daily circumstances and stories, students gain tremendous courage and strength to persevere in life and attain the Goal.

4. Practicing sadhana regularly: Without dharma sadhana, the mind cannot develop properly. Baba guides us that every child should start sadhana at the age of five. That ensures proper spiritual growth and a healthy mental outlook.

5. Sing and Dance Kiirtan: Devotional chanting and music awaken the finer sentiments and goad the human heart to the path of bhakti. This is verily a blessing for every youth and sadhaka.

6. Learn Prabhat Samgiita: This will help develop one’s relationship with the Supreme Entity, Parama Purusa Baba. Students will learn how music, song, and dance are for channelizing one’s mind towards the Divine. These devotional compositions provide youths with a God-centered vision and awaken one’s tendencies towards both nandan vijiana (aesthetic science) and mohan vijiana (supra-aesthetic science).

7. Teaching yama and niyama: Students must be made to understand – practically and theoretically – the proper meaning of these moral principles. In the general society, there is a lot of misunderstanding about this. BY teaching young students the right meaning of yama and niyama will fortify them with the tools to live properly in society and proceed on the spiritual path.

8. Following a sentient diet: In our neo-humanistic model, food, diet, and nutrition are key components for learning about human health. Students learn that a sentient, vegetarian diet is also in harmony with caring for and respecting the animal and plant kingdoms, as well as the greater ecosystem.

9. Ensuring teachers practice what they preach: All teachers are responsible for upholding a standard of conduct that is consonant with neo-humanistic ideals. There is no scope for hypocrisy: Teachers must emulate what they teach. Thus they will not indulge in any kind of intoxicants – neither nicotine nor tobacco – nor eat non-veg food.

10. Gender-separated classrooms: No co-education will occur once children reach adolescence. This will aid greatly in the transfer of knowledge as students will focus on the lesson and not be diverted elsewhere.

11. Universal Outlook: The hallmark of a neo-humanistic system of education will be the universal approach where all are looked up as being expressions of the One. There will be no scope for narrow-mindedness etc.

12. Subjective approach and objective adjustment: This fundamental idea of our Ananda Marga way of life will be imparted to all students. They will understand first and foremost that the aim of life is the Spiritual Goal – serving and pleasing Him – and that with this aim in mind all kinds of service should be done in the world.

13. Respect: Values such as reverence for parents, teachers, elders, and acaryas etc will be inculcated.

14. And so many more points related with the physical, psychic, emotional, moral, and spiritual development of the child.

All of these above themes and topics are wholeheartedly conveyed and included in our neo-humanistic education curriculum and approach. This will spark a great change.

Thus far, the western system of education has utterly failed to touch any of these ideals and values. This distinct vacuum has led to the downfall and degeneration of western, materialistic society – as well as any portion of the globe that copied the western model.

Here below are Baba’s teachings related with this topic of education, neo-humanistic schools, and child development.

“A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE”

“The thirst for knowledge will have to be awakened among students, and reverence, devotion, orderliness and discipline will have to be taught as well.” (2)

“So as I was saying, it will not do to impart education through intimidation. A thirst for knowledge must be awakened, and, to quench that thirst, proper education must be given. Only then will education be worthwhile and develop the body, mind and ideals of the student.” (3)

“Education must awaken the thirst for knowledge in the students’ minds. The students themselves will create environmental pressure by persistent demands for answers to queries like: What is the answer? Is it correct? The longing, “I wish to know…I wish to understand and assimilate the entire universe” should be created. Such a thirst for knowledge should be created in the minds of students…So a tremendous thirst for knowledge must be awakened in the students’ minds. They will constantly pry their teachers, their parents and their neighbours with questions like: Why is this so? What is that? Why does that happen? Why does this not happen? etc. They are ready to assimilate the entire universe.” (4)

“How many teachers try to awaken a genuine thirst for knowledge in their students?” (5)

“Students go to school and sit for examinations in order to pass. Examiners should bear this fact in mind. They should not adopt the rigid position that “Only such-and-such percentage of students will be allowed to pass.” Examiners should take into account only the range of knowledge and the extent of the thirst for knowledge the students possess.” (6)

TEACH CHILDREN UNIVERSALISM

“Children are by nature most inclined towards play, so a thirst for knowledge will have to be awakened in children through the medium of play – children should be educated through play methods. Children are also by nature inclined to listen to fantasies and stories. Through stories children can easily be taught the history and geography of various countries, and they may also be taught the initial lessons of how to practise universalism in their lives. Children love play and stories almost equally, so in their case the two should be equally utilized.” (7)

MOST ADULTS ARE EITHER IGNORANT OR INDIFFERENT

“The mental outlook of children has already been moulded in a particular fashion by the influence of their family environment before they start school. No matter what or how much they learn at school, it is extremely difficult for them to free themselves from the influence of their family. Drawing on what they have learned in the family, the immature minds of children begin to learn about the world and understand it, and to receive ideas and master language so that they can express those ideas. Unhesitatingly they adopt their elders’ way of looking at the world. Hence the primary responsibility for acquainting children with the world lies with their parents or guardians. Children will become assets of society in the future to the extent that their parents or guardians discharge their duties properly.”
“I have no hesitation in saying that today’s adults have not yet developed a scientific method of training children’s minds. Even most so-called educated and refined people, let alone average adults, are either ignorant about or indifferent to the education of their children. Their ignorance may be pardoned, but how can we forgive their indifference? The family into which a child has been born will naturally have to bear the primary responsibility for the physical, mental and spiritual development of that child.” (8)

“GO OUTSIDE AND START SMOKING”

“Speaking of ideals, yet another point comes to my mind, and that is the moral character and conduct of teachers. Many teachers demonstrate a flagrant lack of restraint over their language. There are also teachers who, after discussing the abuses and evils of intoxicants in the classroom, immediately go outside and start smoking. This sets an extremely bad example. If the teachers would just use intoxicants, without saying anything about them, it might not be so bad. But this approach naturally encourages the students to be undisciplined. They will think that the use of such things must be enjoyable, and that their teachers deprive them so that they can enjoy them alone.” (9)

BOTH ARE RESPONSIBLE

“It must be the teachers’ responsibility to impart knowledge, teach restraint in social life, and give instruction about all the various aspects of collective endeavour, but the parents will have to take on most of the responsibility for the moral and spiritual education of the child.” (10)

“INVOKING IMAGINARY GOBLINS OR FRIGHTFUL GHOSTS”

“The method of extracting work by terrorizing the minds of children is not only made use of by a particular type of teacher, it is also often still more harmfully practised by parents. They frighten their children, tell them lies, engage in scurrilous brawls before them, and deceive and torment them; but they still expect that some day their children will become respectable members of society – that their children will bring glory to their family name. When their children are reluctant to drink milk or sleep, they terrify them by invoking imaginary goblins or frightful ghosts. Children initially have no fear, yet a fearful panorama is played out before them. Through this practice the parents may achieve some temporary gain, but even if the children wait a lifetime, they can never be compensated for the harm done to them. Even when these same children attain young adulthood, the thought of ghosts will not leave their minds – ghosts will become their permanent companions.” (11)

“I AM NOT IN FAVOUR OF STARTING COLLEGES” – BABA

“We must start primary schools throughout the entire world to create a spiritual urge amongst the little pupils. I am not in favour of starting colleges; I am in favour of starting primary schools. In the entire world we have got one degree college at Ananda Nagar and thousands of kindergarten schools. That is why it is desirable in the first phase to start many primary schools instead of colleges. Merely opening high schools and colleges without a proper system of education will not serve the purpose. Rather, thousands of kindergarten and primary schools must be started with this new system of education, to create a spiritual urge amongst children throughout the entire world.” (12)

“It is the birthright of everybody to march in this universal march, to move along this path of righteousness. Just show the path to all– just tell them, ‘Oh, human beings, the path is ready for you, you just come!’ Whoever is endowed with a human mind and a human body is entitled to follow this path.” (13)

“TRAINING THIS TURBULENT MIND”

“For this purpose we should have a two-fold approach. For the purpose of training this turbulent mind, what is to be done? One is to get proper education, one is to be imparted with proper education — not general education — in the gospel of, in the idea of Neo-Humanism. This will help human beings in training the mind. And at the same time spiritual practice should go on for proper psychic remoulding. This what we require most. There is no alternative.” (14)

Here is one critical publication error done to the discourse “The Chariot & The Charioteer”. The publishers wrongly wrote: “you have eyes in the back of your head”, but it should be “you have eyes in the front of your head”.

Here is more information about this error.

This discourse “The Chariot & The Charioteer” has been published as the first chapter of Subhasita Samgraha part 4 and the first chapter of Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life part 5. In both of these editions it is wrongly printed. In addition, this mistake appears in the Electronic Edition of Baba’s Books. Here again is that critical error the publishers made. They wrote: “you have eyes in the back of your head”. This is the bogus line which they have attributed to Baba in His own publication. Yet, everyone knows that human beings have eyes in the front of the head, not the back. So, what they have published in the name of Baba is completely ludicrous.

Here is how they wrongly printed that portion of the discourse.

“O sádhaka! You must forget all your past deeds, all your tales of glory or ignominy, from the memorable moment you start moving on the path of sádhaná or intuitional practice. Do not look back: you have eyes in the back of your head. As indispensable as it is to be cautious and careful, so that the self-created tornado propelling you forward does not dash you down to the ground to ensure your safe journey ahead, you may sometimes throw back a cursory glance and no more.”

Here is how that fateful line should have been published: “you have eyes in the front of your head”.

Indeed by the context of the discourse it is quite evident that Baba was telling that humans have eyes in the front and that one should not look back and drown in thinking about past mistakes. So Baba is warning us: Do not look back, your eyes are in the front – look ahead. That is the spirit of what Baba is telling. But this simple teaching was lost on those publishers. They could not understand.

They wrongly wrote: “you have eyes in the back of your head”, but it should be “you have eyes in the front of your head”.

Here below is corrected version of how this passage should have been published.

“O sádhaka! You must forget all your past deeds, all your tales of glory or ignominy, from the memorable moment you start moving on the path of sádhaná or intuitional practice. Do not look back: you have eyes in the front of your head. As indispensable as it is to be cautious and careful, so that the self-created tornado propelling you forward does not dash you down to the ground to ensure your safe journey ahead, you may sometimes throw back a cursory glance and no more.”

It is unfortunate that such awful mistakes appear in our AMPS books published by Kolkata publications. Everyone should take note of the above and correct their own personal copy of the discourse, “The Chariot & The Charioteer”. Once again, this discourse has been published in two places – first chapter of Subhasita Samgraha part 4 and the first chapter of Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life part 5. It is also important to send this correction to the editors of the Electronic Version of Baba’s books so they can update it in the next edition.
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O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are so gracious You have come and opened all the doors and windows,and inundated this world with Your divine effulgence. On the eastern horizon the crimson dawn is visible. The darkness is fast fading away.

Baba, in the past there was the domination of dogma and groupism all around. Countless superstitions and negative samskaras were doing their naked dance. Now, with the presence of Your divine effulgence, in the blink of an eye those dogmas and negative things have disappeared. The creatures of darkness have dissolved into thin air. I do not know where they have gone – they have vanished.

Baba, O’ my Lord, with Your love and punishment You are keeping everyone in Your shelter. Baba, You are graciously caring for everyone…

Namaskar,
Often Dada Bhaskaranandji offers to guide others on points of Ananda Marga philosophy. While this may sound like a noble endeavour, everyone should beware because in his own book “Social Dynamics”, Dada Bhaskaranandji has written many things that are grossly inconsistent with Ananda Marga ideology.

In his own book there are huge errors. Of critical note is that Dada Bhaskarananda has written that Baba’s unique philosophy of neo-humanism is nothing but Hinduism.

Yet, we all know that Hinduism is full of countless dogmas: Caste system, idol worship, multiple gods and goddesses, belief in heaven and hell, etc.

While Baba’s divine teachings on neo-humanism are completely revolutionary and will lead the society into the a new era of universalism, thus crushing all dogmas. All margiis are aware of this divine truth. But in his book Dada Bhaskaranandji is making the opposite claim as he is equating neo-humanism with the dogmas of Hinduism.

SEE WHAT DADAJI HAS WRITTEN

On page 100 of his book, ‘Social Dynamics’, Dadaji Bhaskarananda has written that:

“Vivekananda unfortunately used the appelation ‘Hindu’ for all the most amazing understandings of the past 15,000 years and for all the findings of the sages of India … Shrii P.R. Sarkar gave this universal sentiment a beautiful new name – Neohumanism, or humanism newly interpreted.” (Bhaskarananda, Social Dynamics, p. 100)

So by Dada Bhaskaranandaji’s above statement, it is clear that he thinks that neo-humanism is just nothing but Hinduism.

Dada Bhaskaranandji’s publication is putting forth the false notion that neo-humanism did not come in 1955 or 1982. Rather Dadaji is telling that philosophy and ideals of neo-humanism have been present in full form since Vivekananda’s time or even thousands of years before that. Only a new name has been given in 1982. Such is Dadaji’s claim.

According to Dadaji, just as the city of Madras was present before and recently the name was changed to Chennai, and the name of Bombay was changed to Mumbai, in the same way Hinduism has been in existence for thousands of years and then in 1982 only Baba gave it a new name, neo-humanism. This is Dadaji’s logic.

So, according to Bhaskarananda Dada, neo-humanism is not a new philosophy, but rather a continuation of Hinduism.

This is the claim and theorem Dada Bhaskaranandji has put forth in his book. Everyone can decide for themselves how far Dada Bhaskarananda is properly representing Ananda Marga teachings.

VIVEKANANDA IS NOT A NEO-HUMANIST

Furthermore, Dada Bhaskarananda is equating Swami Vivekananda with our pure neo-humanistic ideals. However, most everybody knows that Swami Vivekananda ate fish. Eating fish itself is against our neohumanistic code of conduct. Not only that, Swami Vivekananda was a cigarette / cigar smoker also. The tamasik habit of smoking tobacco has nothing to do with leading a neo-humanistic life. Rather it is contrary to neo-humanism.

Not only that, Hinduism is filled with dogma, misguided rituals, and sentiments including the caste system etc. And Swami Vivekanada himself is from one dogmatic Hindu sect: Advaete vada, monism. If anyone wants to know more about monoism, they should read Baba’s chapter in Namami Krsna Sundaram. There Baba has clearly written that monism is just dogma.

All these points make it evident that Hinduism is grounded in illogical ideas, i.e. dogma. While we know Baba’s teaching are completely dharmic and entirely new – they have no comparison with Hinduism.

But Dada Bhaskaranandji claims that neo-humanism is merely the new name of Hinduism.

So many gross errors are there in Dada Bhaskarananda’s book. When I have more time other points can be raised, or anyone else can also bring forth the points. Because in so many places any good Margii will easily be able to recognize how Dada Bhaskarananda’s book strays far from that path of Ananda Marga.

WHY DID HE DO LIKE THAT

Why has Dada Bhaskarananda stated this publicly in his book – why would Dadaji make this absurd claim? By this ridiculous assertion it looks like Dada Bhaskaranandji wants to impose his own Hindu dogmatic beliefs onto our Marga Society. It seems that Dada Bhaskarananda himself is suffering from the disease of Hinduism. Otherwise what can be the reason why he would put such a declartion in print for everyone to see.

Or we can look at it this way.

Dada Bhaskaranandji is justifying that he said this about Hindus in order to make them feel close. But a book on Ananda Marga philosophy is not the medium for placating or appeasing Hindus. That can be done in a casual table-talk discussion, but not in a published book that is circulated around the globe. Otherwise, there is no end to what could be published in the name of Ananda Marga. For instance, to gain the sympathy of meat-eaters, someone could publish that in Ananda Marga we appreciate animal protein and eating meat. But such a statement should never appear in one of our books. Similarly, it is not appropriate to write that Ananda Marga and neo-humanism is the same as Hinduism. Such a statement should never be published in any book. So Dada Bhaskarananda has no grounds to stand on for justifying that he did this to make amends with the Hindu community.

In that case, other Dadas from other religious backgrounds might sing the praises of the religion of their birth. For instance, one Wt might write that, “Neo-humanism is like jihad, all the ideas of jihad are neo-humanistic, so neo-humanism is not new – it is as old as Islam. Or another Dada might proclaim that, “Neo-humanism is just like the crusades – this is a long-established ethic of Christianity. Baba has merely given it a new name.”

NEO-HUMANISM IS ENTIRELY NEW

To any sadhaka and right thinking person, it is obvious that Baba’s teachings of neo-humanism are something completely new. This is evident by the name itself – ‘neo’. This very name demonstrates that this philosophy is an entirely new concept, given by Baba for the first time in human history

Such a teaching was never given before. I was there when Baba Himself told neo-humanism is a new theory.

In the end we should all remember how neo-humanism is one golden tool for the humanity.

“Neo-Humanism will give new inspiration and provide a new interpretation for the very concept of human existence…This Neo-Humanism philosophy will liberate people from all inferiority feelings and defects and make them aware of their own importance; it will inspire them to build a new world.” (1)

Ultimately Neo-Humanism leads humanity unto the stance of divinity.

“According to Neohumanism, the final and supreme goal is to make one’s individual existential nucleus coincide with the Cosmic Existential Nucleus. As a result, the unit being’s entire existential order becomes one with the Controlling Nucleus of the existential order of the Supreme Entity of the Cosmological order, and that will be the highest expression of Neohumanism. That Neohumanistic status will save not only the human world but the plant and animal worlds also. In that supreme Neohumanistic status, the universal humanity will attain the consummation of its existence. Then nothing will be impossible for human beings; they will be able to do anything and everything.” (2)

Namaskar,
As we know, the relation between Parama Purusa and the aspirant is based on devotion. And this link is dynamic as there are various grades of devotion.

As one feels closer to Parama Purusa, we say that their level of bhakti has increased. When one feels more distant from Parama Purusa, we say that they have lower devotion. Baba has clearly outlined this in His discourses.

ONE’S EXPRESSION TELLS THE WHOLE STORY

The closeness one feels and the level of devotion one has can be noted by their expression, just like with any other relation in life.

For instance, the way you address a local shopkeeper will be different from the way your address your mother. When introducing a shopkeeper, you will say in a more formal tone that, ‘This is Sam or Pashupati the grocer”; it is a very neutral or even distant statement that does not reflect a close sentimental link.

Whereas with your mother, you will say, “This is my mother.” You will not say this is “the mother”; or, if you have many siblings, you will not even say, “This is our mother.” You will use the phrase “my mother”. Why? Because of your great emotional attachment and high degree of closeness with your mother. You feel that your mother is yours, and that she belongs to you.

Similar variations happen with the relations between bhaktas and Parama Purusa. The expression will vary based on the degree of closeness, i.e. one’s level of devotion.

As you will see, this feeling even affects the way one raises the jai slogan.

THREE TYPES OF DEVOTEES

As we know, Baba has clearly defined three basic levels of devotion.

“Devotees of the highest category think, “Parama Purus’a is mine only and He belongs to no one else.” This is the sign of an excellent sa’dhaka, and the spiritual progress of this category is inevitable. “He is mine and mine alone and He does not belong to anyone else” – this assertion is undoubtedly true.” 1)

Per Baba’s teaching, in this top-most level of devotion, the bhakta feels that “Parama Purusa is mine – He only belongs to me – He is my personal property.” Baba guides us that this is the degree of devotion we should all strive for in life. Certainly many in our Marga have this type of feeling. Indeed this is the way we do dhyana. There is no third entity present, only the bhakta and Parama Purusa.

The situation can be likened to how even a child who has 6 brothers and sisters will still think of their mother as being “my very own.” There is no question of sharing mom with others.

According to Baba, this type of devotional outlook is the true nature or link between the bhakta and Parama Purusa.

Then there is the next tier of devotion – it is a notch below.

“The second category of devotees…They think, “Parama Purus’a is mine, and thus He must belong to others also.” That is, the devotees..have no hesitation in sharing Parama Purus’a with others.” (2)

Here due to a lack of closeness with Parama Purusa, the second-grade bhakta thinks in a more analytical way: Baba created this entire universe so naturally He belongs to all. In this phase, the 2nd grade bhakta feels that Parama Purusa belongs to me, but reasons that He must belong to others also. This type of outlook occurs when the emotional and devotional link with Parama Purusa is less, in which case the 2nd grade bhakta looks at the situation intellectually.

And finally, in the lowest stage, there is an even less personal link or more distant relation, where one feels that Parama Purusa is the collective property of all.

“The devotees of the lowest category think, “As Parama Purus’a belongs to all, so certainly He belongs to me as well because I am one of the multitude.” Thoughts of this type are not very congenial for one’s spiritual progress.” (3)

Thus the critical difference between 2nd & 3rd grade bhaktas is as follows. The 2nd grade bhakta thinks that Parama Purusa is mine, and then reasons that He must belong to others as well. The 3rd grade bhakta thinks that Baba belongs to all and then reasons that therefore He must also be mine. This third stage is comparable to one having 5 siblings and thinking that since mother loves my brothers and sisters then she must love me also. There is very little personal feeling or experience involved, just an analytical equation.

Hence Baba’s statement that these latter two stages are not very conducive for spiritual growth, i.e. coming close to Him.

Since we are all familiar with Baba’s teachings on this subject, we can wrap it up in one sentence. When one feels more close with Parama Purusa, the bhakta thinks that. “He is mine and mine alone.” There is no sharing or reasoning or intellectualization – just the deeply devotional feeling that, “Baba is mine – He belongs only to me.”

LEVELS OF JAI SLOGANS

The devotional feelings outlined above come into form in so many aspects of our lives: In our conversations, manan (thinking of Him), and in our reflections, stories etc, including the way in which we raise the Jai slogan.

For instance, the more intimate and devotional way of raising the Jai slogan is: Parama Pita Baba ki – jai! In this manner, the basic spirit is Victory to my Baba, my Father, my nearest, my own. The sense is that one’s mind is pointed on the Divine Father, Parama Purusa in a more personal way where He belongs to me.

The possessive pronoun – my – is understood as people always think of their father as “my father”. No one thinks our father.

The overall meaning is: Victory to My (personal) Divine Father Baba.

In other places – such as in parts of Bengal, Ananda Nagar, and other places – there is another way the jai slogan is raised. Bengali speaking Dadas always bring the slogan: Ama’der Baba ki – jai!

Ama’der means ‘Our’; Baba ki means ‘of Baba’; Jai means ‘victory’.

The overall meaning is: Victory to Our (collective) Baba.

The sense is that Parama Purusa belongs to all, He is the collective property of everyone and not the personal possession of a single bhakta. The overall meaning is: Victory to Our (collective) Baba.

In mundane ways of thinking this is ok, but in terms of spiritual life this type of ideation is not at all beneficial – rather it is detrimental and limiting.

The slogan – Ama’der Baba ki – Jai! – is a less personal expression and reflects 3rd grade devotion since one is thinking that Parama Purusa belongs to all.

“The devotees of the lowest category think, “Parama Purus’a belongs to all…Thoughts of this type are not very congenial for one’s spiritual progress.” (4)

In that case, Ama’der Baba ki – jai! , the main ingredient, i.e. Parama Purusa, is shared in a more collective manner. He is no longer one’s personal property and this type of thinking goes ultravarious to devotional closeness.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

Here we should clarify that this does not mean that everyone who speaks Bengali is of lower devotion or that anyone who has ever raised this slogan is a lower tier bhakta. It is not like that at all.

Rather, we can say that those leading this slogan are more responsible. After all they are the ones who selected the slogan. The margiis and wts in attendance may or may not feel this way. After all, they are just responding to the call. They are not deciding the way in which the slogan is raised.

It is just like how you cannot blame an entire country for the actions and decision of a few governmental leaders. The mass of people cannot be held accountable, whereas surely the leaders are responsible for what the country does.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HEAR THIS SLOGAN

One very practical scenario is: What should one do if they are attending a spiritual function and someone starts raising this slogan: Ama’der Baba Ki Jai!. In that case, the best thing is to remain quite and just mentally repeat your own preferred Jai slogan. Remember, anyone can raise whatever slogan they prefer because it is one’s personal devotional practice based on one’s relation with Baba. Thus any sadhaka is free to choose a top-grade slogan. It is not that those 3rd class sadhakas can impose their ways on everyone else. In this regard, there is personal freedom to choose.

That said, the slogan – Ama’der Baba Ki Jai! – is primarily used in Bengal. This is their slogan of choice.

WHY BABA ALLOWED THIS

The next question one may ask is that why did Baba allow people to raise the slogan: Ama’der Baba ki – jai!

And the answer is very simple. In the kingdom of Parama Purusa there are various grades of devotees. After all, 3rd grade devotees are also His followers and He allows 3rd grade devotees to raise this type of slogan. Baba accepts 3rd grade bhaktas in the way they feel most comfortable approaching Him, even if that means sharing Him with others.

No doubt, Baba is attracting all to come very close, but due to lack of sadhana or samskaras, not all respond to His blessed call.

So if someone is enmeshed in 3rd grade devotion and could not develop a closer relation with Parama Purusa, then this Ama’der slogan is fine.

Being gracious, Baba then accepts everyone for who they are. He does not deprive anyone from expressing the feeling of their heart, even if their heartfelt feeling goads them to say, “Ama’der Baba ki – jai!”

In His gracious manner, Baba will accept their call and continue to draw them near.

In sum, 3rd grade devotees have further to travel because they are far from Parama Purusa. It may take them several lives to become A-grade bhaktas wherein they will feel more comfortable raising the slogan, “Parama Pita Baba ki- jai!.

MUST HAVE COMPASSION

Some of our brothers and sisters are lagging behind in the realm of devotion so we must have compassion for their situation. Our duty is to help them. They should also learn how to feel closer to Parama Purusa – after all, one day everyone has to reach up to Him.

HOW TO REMEDY THE SITUATION

Honesty in devotional life is key. So if one’s heart feeling is not expressed by the 3rd grade slogan, Ama’der Baba ki – jai!, that’s to say, if one is not inclined to share Parama Purusa or think that He belongs to all, then one may not like to use this slogan. In that case they can exclusively use, Parama Pita Baba ki – jai!

And if the Ama’der slogan does express one’s feeling of heart, and they feel comfortable with this meaning, then they can continue to raise the slogan in this manner. On this point all have personal choice. No one can tell anyone what to do.

At the same time we should all try and increase our standard of sadhana and feel more devotional closeness with Parama Purusa.

MAIN REASON FOR RAISING THIS MATTER

This is a significant matter because when some 3rd grade devotees are not understanding the deeper devotional feeling and if those same 3rd grade people get positions of leadership in our Marga, then due to their devotional deficit, guess what dogma they are going to invent.

That’s right. Because of their lower feeling of devotion they will create the dogma of mahaprayan which states that Baba is gone. In that case, due to their own lack of understanding and lack of closeness, they will misguide and inhibit the growth of others and taint the devotional expression within the Marga.

That is the very grave matter at hand.

It is very similar to what transpired with the various dogmatic religions wherein they wrongly proclaimed that god lives in the distant sky or 7th heaven. Such persons also might have been of the 3rd grade as they could not develop closeness with Parama Purusa. So they invented their religious dogma – placing god far, far away.

That is the way it works and we should be careful since that same defect has expressed itself in AM in the form of the mahaprayan dogma.

No doubt 3rd grade devotees are better than non-devotees, but they should not be in positions of leadership wherein they try to guide others and invent new “spiritual programs”, like the dogma of mahaprayan (i.e. Baba is gone).

Please pass this letter to your fellow sadhakas etc so this dogma can be removed. Why is this a dogma. Because whenever a person mindlessly raises a slogan without thinking more deeply about it etc then it is a dogma.

BHAKTI IS THE GREATEST QUALITY

Bhakti is the greatest attribute in life. We should all aim for the highest grade of devotion and not allow those with lower devotion – i.e. those chanting Ama’der Baba ki – jai! – to be in leadership positions wherein they can invent dogmas. And on the personal sphere, may every sadhaka feel that, “Baba is mine and mine alone.”

Baba says, “The devotees say, “No, no I can share all my belongings with others, but not my Parama Purus’a. He is mine and mine alone – He belongs to no one else. I cannot even think of sharing Him with anyone.”” (5)

THERE IS NO DEARTH OF JAI SLOGANS

There is no limit to how many Jai slogans can be created. For example:

And certainly you can create many more slogans in your own mother tongue. Thus, there are many possibilities.

I recall that when Baba toured the globe then He was received by so many different jai slogans. For instance, I remember when Baba went to Haifa, Israel, then those margiis raised the jai slogan in their local tongue. And when Baba visited Taiwa, then margiis raised the slogan in Taiwanese. And when Baba went to Bangalore, then margiis raised the slogan in Kannada, i.e. their local language.

So every margii can create their own jai slogan using their native language. But that Jai slogan should be A-grade, not C-grade like Ama’der Baba Ki – Jai.

Baba, I love You; only You are in my mind. You are my dearmost; You alone are mine; You are the only moon in my mental sky– mental plate. Baba, except You, everything else in this entire universe is temporary. Everything comes for a short time and then get lost into thin air, into the oblivion. Baba, only You are beginningless and endless; only You remain permanently – eternally.

Baba, nothing lasts forever in this world. At the end of the day, night falls and the light of day gets engulfed by the darkness. Similarly, the darkness of the night vanishes with the advent of the brilliant new dawn. Thus everything in this world is changing, transient. But the constant pouring of Your divine effulgence continues on and on – it knows no limit; it knows no end.

Baba, I am loving You; You are always residing in my mind; You are my only polestar. Baba, You are my Goal; You are my everything…

Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 23:38:27
From: Tarakanath
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: How To Deal With Day to Day Issues

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #2288;
(2) Posting: How To Deal With Day to Day Issues
(3) Trailer Quote: Impossible For People to Accept It

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

**** Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita ****

Baba

“Toma’ke ka’che peyeo cena’ da’y…” (PS 2288)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ my Dearmost, You are mine – You are very close to me. Baba, often I think that I have understood You completely; but when I contemplate more deeply I realise that I know not. To understand You fully, the unit mind must lose its individual identity. As long as one is cognizant of their own unit existence, then You cannot be realised. So, in spite of having You very close, it is still not possible for me to fully realise You. O’ Divine Entity, You are my very intimate and closest One: You smile softly and say You love me. Yet when I long for You and yearn to have You in a more intimate way, You are not coming that close. Then I think that I do not properly understand Your mind – Your desire. Otherwise surely You would come deep into the depths of my heart. Alas I do not know how to satisfy You completely.

O’ my Lord, just when I think I have completely understood You, and just when I think I have truly come to know You, i.e. Your ways and Your inner plans, then with Your divine liila You shower even more of Your divine love and I become restless to get You more and more close. Baba, I feel so much love for You in my heart that my eyes constantly rain and shower tears when I think of You. It is Your grace.

O’ Parama Purusa, due to Your infinite compassion I have understood that only You are the Essence. You alone are the Cosmic Nucleus of this vast universe. By Your grace I have forgotten all those transitory expressions. I no longer run after the ephemeral things of this mundane world. Baba, I have accepted the greatness of Your divine liila. I understand that Your liila cannot be understood. [1] Now I only think and sing: “O’ Lord, please forgive me for my lapses, wrongdoing and negative deeds. Please shower Your causeless grace on me.”

Baba, You can only be attained through surrender and love. O’ Lord please grace me; please fill me with Your divine compassion…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #2288:

[1] “Toma’r liila’y ha’r ma’niya’chi”: This phrase from the third stanza of the above Prabhat Samgiita is neatly represented by these below teachings.

“Surrender yourself to His will. Shake off your load of self-conceit. Lighten the burden of your life and float yourself on the waves of His will. It is He who is teaching you the sa’dhana’ in the guise of a Guru (preceptor); it is He who is strengthening your knowledge and faith in the guise of a philosopher. You are plundering His mercy in everything day and night. Go on working as a machine, leaving the doership to Him. How little can your poor intellect comprehend or analyse His unfathomable sport (liila’)! So, instead of trying to comprehend or analyse keep the bearing of that inscrutable juggler aglow before your eyes.” (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 4)

“Parama Puruśa is beyond the scope of relativity. Why is He making the world dance? Why has He made Paramarasa-Samudra? The answer to this cannot be known in the world of causality. Why Paramátmá has done something has no answer because He is beyond the scope of causality. Hence that which is non-causal, that which is beyond the scope of causality is Liilá. Whatever Paramátmá does is Liilá, but what Jiiva does is Kriidá. The wise will do Kriidá in such a way as to adjust their waves with the waves of Liilá. They will not try to know why Liilámaya has done an action. They will simply try to know Liilámaya Himself. If you cannot know the cause of a trifling thing like dancing, how can you know the cause of the action of Liilámaya? Jiiva has a very small brain and a very small cranium. It is not possible for it to know the action of Liilámaya. Suppose someone is an MA in 20 subjects. If he or she is asked suddenly to appear in the MA examination, he will not pass – he will have to read again, then he will have to appear. This proves that the Jiiva fails even to succeed in its own Kriidá. So how can it understand the cause of the Liilá of Liilámaya? It cannot. The best approach is to love Him, is to join His party. If there is true love the Master Magician will certainly make you understand everything because the more the members of His party know, the more convenient it is for Him.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 19, Parama Puruśa)

== HOW TO DEAL WITH DAY TO DAY ISSUES ==

Namaskar,
Emotion plays a huge part in our human life. Without emotion, human beings do not take action, no matter how much knowledge they have.

For instance, some mothers may have all the facts and figures about the dangers of war, but will not actively protest against it until their own son is drafted into the army. Propelled by that emotional feeling, they will engage in all kinds of activities in order to stop the war.

Likewise, some people may be fully aware of the harmful effects of a meat-based diet, but will not give up meat until his doctor warns them about their high cholesterol levels and risk of a heart attack. Motivated by that emotional link that is their own life is at stake, then they quickly give up eating meat.

If you take a moment to think, I am sure you can come up with many examples where you have seen how people had adequate knowledge but did not act until they developed an emotional link with a particular issue or practice.

So emotion has a huge impact in our human activity. And that emotion can drive us in diametrically opposite directions.

Blind emotion will hasten one into all kinds of degrading vices and harmful dogmas; whereas emotion supported by rationality will thrust one forward onto the path of dharma.

There are so many present-day examples of how emotion shapes human activity: Everything from environmental disasters to taking tantric initiation, and in numerous other instances. In all such circumstances, emotion plays a critical role.

As Ananda Margiis, we should be pointedly aware of this, both in analysing our own actions and in understanding those of others.

EMOTION AND ITS ROLE IN ATROCITIES AGAINST HUMANITY

AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Part 1)

In real life events, people are swayed or apathetic due to their emotional attachment to the topic. That covers up their sense of rationality.

For example, some people have knowledge about so many atrocities on this earth. Years ago in the Vietnam war, American forces used “agent orange” or dioxin as a means of chemical warfare. Some reports estimate 19 million gallons was airdropped. Decades later still innocent Vietnamese families are suffering the effects of those past misdeeds, and the land became barren and devastated – some of it restricted. See the images for yourself on-line: Babies are born with two heads and no legs, the landscape has been permanently damaged- indeed thousands and thousands of gruesome tales can be told about the ill-effects of agent orange.

Yet the American public is mostly unmoved. Some or more have the knowledge that this was going on, but they are not emotionally attached with those events. Hence those tragedies remain mostly ignored. Those sufferers needed medical attention but the US government did not even consider that any injustice was done. So there was no question of compensation – neither in the form of medical care nor money.

A similar scene is unfolding today with regards to the drone attacks. US forces have killed thousands of innocent citizens and youths throughout Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, & Afghanistan – and other places – yet the general American populace is mostly unaffected by such events. But when a few innocent teenagers in the US are killed due to gang violence it becomes national news and there are protests in cities across the country. Both cases are tragedies – the killings innocent youths by drone attacks and the murdering of teenagers – but the first is mostly overlooked while the second is mourned by many.

EMOTION AND ITS ROLE IN ATROCITIES AGAINST HUMANITY

AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Part 2)

Below are more examples of how emotion gets misused in society – it becomes a blind force that allows people to both unleash terror and overlook horror.

It should be noted that, there are positive ways that emotion is used and that will be outlined further down in this letter.

1. At present, terrorists groups rely on blind emotion to recruit youths and sympathetic supporters to commit all sorts of crimes like car bombings, machine gun attacks, and other heinous crimes. Those youths lose their rationality and are just stirred up into an emotional fervor wherein they will do anything, fully blinded by their emotions.

2. In the west, bound by their blind emotion, some people spend huge money on their pets and will even kiss their cat or dog; they talk and share their feelings with their dog. They are extremely emotionally attached. Yet they will overlook the cries of starving humanity. Devoid of any rational approach, some can overlook the pain of a suffering child or fallen man, but they will give their wholehearted love and attention to their cat.

3. Similarly, some people will watch after their pets with extreme care yet when it comes time to sit down for dinner, they will cut into a steak (slaughtered cow) without any hesitation. Their lack of rationality and emotional attachment allows them to indulge in such duplicitous behaviour.

4. In our Ananda Marga, there are various ways in which emotion blinds people – especially in the case of our present group clashes. A few get attached with a particular group or leader and then justify all the misdeeds of that group.

Thus, emotion by itself is a blind force and is bound to lead humanity down the wrong road. When emotion is moving in haphazard way – i.e. devoid of rationality – then so many degrading and dogmatic things will occur.

Whereas when emotion is supported by rationality then great works can be done.

EMOTION AS A POSITIVE FORCE

Emotion can also be used in a positive manner when in coordination with rationality.

When a person thinks, “I should do something – I should follow dharma”, and when this is done with their emotional force, then good things happen.

For instance, many have entered Ananda Marga and taken diiksa based on this emotional propulsion guided by rationality. In the same way, others have served as LFT’s, WT’s, etc. Without that emotional-cum-rational feeling they would not have been moved into action. They may have had knowledge of Ananda Marga and dharma, but without that close emotional and rational link they would not have done anything.

So in these positive cases, one’s emotional flow is not haphazard, rather it is guided by rationality.

Similarly, with their emotional and rational attachment to Baba, i.e. devotion to Baba, many have given their lives for the great cause and others have stood up to fight dogma and oppose injustice. Even they have given up all their friends and faced all kinds of opposition due to their emotional-cum-rational attachment to Baba’s teachings.

So emotion need not always be a liability. When linked with rationality it can lift one onto the field of dharma.

SUMMARY

So long as one’s emotions are not guided by rationality, regardless of how well educated a person may be, there are bound to be problems – problems of epic proportions. This is one aspect.

Second, even if people have knowledge, they will not do anything until they have an emotional link to the situation at hand. If that emotional link is blind they will fall prey to dogma and misdeeds and if combined with rationality that person can do great things for humanity.

Third, emotion should always be guided by a mind open in 360 degrees, and not be linked with any selfishness or group agenda.

Fourth, because of emotion, people often do not do what they should do, or do what they should not do. So it is a tricky force. Even educated people commonly fall into this trap. Here is an example to make this clear.

Suppose someone goes to the shopping mall or market to buy some food. Yet while they are there they see a pair of shoes. They had no plan or real need to buy shoes. Yet they are enticed by the shine of the shoes and without considering their financial position or whether they really need another pair of shoes, that person purchases the shoes. There is no calculation or rational thought process behind the purchase per se – just it was done on a whim. This type of impulsive shopping is a classic case of emotion or blind emotion – devoid of rationality.

In contrast, if one goes to the shopping mall and buys or does not buy shoes based strictly on if there is a need or not, then that is rationality.

Fifth, the only answer is neo-humanistic education and Ananda Marga spiritual practices. Buoyed by these rational and devotional forces, one’s emotional feeling will be used in solely for positive endeavours.

Finally, when standing alone the emotional mind moves towards dogma and when guided by rationality that mind becomes a strong and dharmic force.

ALSO HAPPENS WITH FICTIONAL AND IMAGINARY CHARACTERS

The Juliet story posted earlier this week- wherein people share their heartfelt feelings due to their emotional link with a fictitious character – is but an example of how blind the human personae can become when goaded haphazardly by emotion.

Why does this happen? Currently in the west, although, much of the population is literate and educated in the worldly sense, many, many fall into various dogmas due to their emotional attachment.

For instance, romance is a huge aspect of life in the materialistic nations. With crude romance comes heartbreak – for any number of reasons. Today, many of the people who have been heartbroken or hurt in a romantic relationship are now sharing their woes with Juliet – as if Juliet can empathize and solve their problems.

Juliet is one of the main fictitious characters in Shakespeare’s tragedy: “Romeo and Juliet”. In that drama, written 450+ years ago, the young couple in love are embattled by family disputes and ultimately die a most tragic death, without ever being able to express their love for one another. It is the quintessential tragedy of western literature. And it is completely fictional – these characters are 100% imaginary – Mr. Shakespeare merely invented them in his own mind.

Yet today, a Juliet website has been devised, and people from far and wide write in seeking solace about their romantic woes. Because of their deep emotional link with the female character Juliet – who never even existed in real life – people are writing to Juliet and pouring their heart. If they deem their romance to be similar in any way to that of Romeo and Juliet – i.e. if they are getting tormented by friends and family – then they write to Juliet and ask for her grace and promise that, “Just as you died for your lover, I shall do the same.” Juliet does not even exist, yet out of emotion they are taking this fictional character to be their guide.

“Since the 1930s, letters addressed to Juliet keep arriving in Verona – and a statue was erected there as well. As of 2010, more than 5,000 letters are received annually, three quarters of which are from women. The largest single group of senders are American teenagers.” (Wikipedia)

So this form of idol worship in the west is becoming more popular yet we should remember that it is based on 100% fictitious characters like Juliet.

It is just like if Indian people started writing to Laela’.

Such are the ways of emotional attachment. The people have the knowledge that such characters are purely fictional, but out of emotion they are drawn to them in such a poignant manner.

BABA’S GUIDELINE

Baba has graciously blessed us with all the proper teachings to succeed in life and not be blinded by the haphazard flow of emotion. We should all take proper care to ensure we are always moving along the methodical path of emotion known as devotion. Then great works can and will be done on this earth and the sadhaka will attain the Supreme stance.

“Now, even those who are advocates of devotional or emotional faculties say that people get propensive propulsion from devotion or emotion. When the mind moves along a particular track or follows a particular discipline in a methodical way, this is called “devotion” or bhakti; but when it does not follow a particular method, when it moves haphazardly, swept away by whim, it is called “emotion”. This is the fundamental difference between devotion and emotion. You must know this clear-cut silver line of demarcation between devotion and emotion.” (2)

“Those who adhere to this cult of pinnacled order know that there must be a happy blending amongst intellectual-cum-intuitional faculty, actional faculty and devotional-cum-emotional faculty. None of these is unimportant, all are of equal importance, but the finality comes in devotion. That is, the final outcome or resultant of intellectual-cum-intuitional faculty and actional faculty is devotion, not emotion.” (3)

“If one wants to realize an entity, does one realize it only through knowledge? No, certainly not. To realize an entity, one must possess a loving heart, a sweet intellect, and a free flow of emotion (attached with spirituality)…I said a little earlier that by merging one’s individual sweetness into the sweetest entity, the realization, “You exist, only You exist,” becomes firmly established. One becomes finally ensconced in that Supreme Entity. There is no other way. And this self-knowledge is the sweetest essence of the devotional feeling of one’s heart.” (4)

The sections below demarcated by asterisks are entirely different topics,
completely unrelated to the above letter. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*******************************
Impossible for People to Accept It

“If anybody tries to re-establish an old political, economic or religious theory of two thousand years ago – a theory or ism based on past time, space or person – using whatever type of psychology, sentiment or adroit propaganda, it will not be possible to correlate it with the existing physical waves. Once lost the parallelism between the ism and the physical wave cannot be restored, even if the old mental environment is re-created. We perceive the change not only in the physical wave but also in the mental wave. No amount of scientific effort will make it possible to restore the mental wave of the past. There was a time when kings were worshipped as the incarnations of God, but today if anybody tries to reintroduce this antiquated practice using psychological propaganda, it will be impossible for people to accept it.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 4)

Note: Here are a few examples of Baba’s above guideline.

(A) Certain Islamic fundamentalists want to implement 1500 year-old tenets in areas where they presently rule. This is evidenced by their application of the Islamic justice system where they employ antiquated punishments like chopping off a person’s hand for stealing and beheading “guilty” persons in public. Such punishments are based on Islamic law. But, no matter how hard they try to implement such laws, it is impossible for them to gain success in this 21st century. The public will never appreciate this.

(B) In the same way, Hindu fundamentalists and those believers of caste still want to follow caste distinctions and the use of the sacred hair etc. But now the general populace is fast giving up caste such divisions and they are not going to follow them again.

(C) Fundamentalist Christians want to implement social rules of Bible, when already the common people have advanced beyond such codes.

(D) White supremacists want to forcibly impose racial supremacy. But here again the common people are not inclined in this manner.

In all such cases, implementing these outdated doctrines is no longer possible; the general mass will never appreciate such rules and restrictions. They will never be implemented.

Why is this impossible? Because time, space, and person have changed; that era is gone. That old philosophy is unsuitable for this present era.

For this reason, there is the understanding and guideline that some aspects of Caryacarya will be changed in the future – according to the need of that era.

For example, if the number of boys are 1/4 the number of girls, then one male may have many wives, or vice-versa.
*******************************

(Note: This is the third letter in this series. The first two letters were titled, “Do You Eat Sentient Food”. Links to those letters have been appended below.)

Namaskar,
I have been following this thread about sentient food and wish to raise the issue of milk. As we all know, in Ananda Marga, milk is sentient. It is a sattvika food item.

Yet we must bear in mind that there are some distinct considerations.

TODAY’S MODERN DAIRY INDUSTRY

When the capitalist-minded agro-dairy industry and related corporations use steroids, injections, and other unnatural techniques to get the cows to produce more milk, then that milk cannot be considered sentient. It is full of pollutants, poisonous chemicals, and other harmful agents.

STATUS OF INDIAN COWS

The situation of some Indian cows is also quite compromised. Some of the cows in the Indian cities eat all kinds of things: paper, plastic, garbage, cardboard etc. They eat so much of it that when a cow gets sick and surgery is needed, then invariably doctors find 30 – 65kg of junk / garbage inside the cow. (http://www.karunasociety.org/projects/the-plastic-cow-project)

Such problems are not limited to cows in the city. Some of those cows that roam the countryside often eat night soil.

For those not aware, cow’s milk from the villages is widely-distributed. Those villagers often form a cooperative and keep their milk in a central location. Then an area “milk-man” comes around for pick-ups once or twice a day. That milk is brought to processing plants in larger cities. At those plants, milk from various areas gets mixed, packaged, and shipped for wider delivery. So it is not that the village milk stays in a village. The milk of those cows that eat night soil reaches a wide spectrum of buyers. Many are then exposed to milk produced by (some) cows that eat night soil.

In both conditions, city and country, the sentient quality of the cow in India – and cow’s milk – is greatly disturbed.

Then there is this problem. As you may know, cows that do not have calves do not allow all their milk to taken. So dairy farmers in India farmers inject such cows with chemicals and drugs so those cows will release all their milk. In turn, those chemicals get mixed in with the milk. Anyone can taste and smell the toxins in the milk. This is a large-scale problem.

It all comes to this: Unless you know the history of the cow and how it has lived, purchasing or drinking cow’s milk is risky. The answer lies in enclosed in natural areas or sanctuaries so cows can live in a natural setting and have some freedom without endangering or exposing them to harmful agents, like pollution, garbage, and night soil.

Till that time, drinking cow’s milk in India is tamasika on many occasions.

MILK FROM A NEWLY CALVED COW IS TAMASIKA

Here is another key parameter that we must take into consideration.

Baba also guides us that it is not sentient to drink the milk of a cow that recently gave birth. Essentially, that milk contains colostrum which is harmful to the mind of a sadhaka. Such milk is tamasika.

(1) In the original Bengali and Hindi editions of Caryacarya, Baba says do not drink the milk of a sandhinii cow. The term sandhinii is consistently used and defined as a cow which has recently given birth. .

(2) Then in the English edition of Caryacarya, the phrase – newly-calved cow – has been used. Here again we are not to drink that milk.

(3) Then in Shabda Cayanika Baba also defines sandhinii as a newly-calved cow.

Baba says, “Given birth to a calf. A cow in that stage is called sandhinii. (Shabda Cayanika – 4, Kálii to Kikhi (Discourse 25))

Furthermore, in Samskrta language literature, the term sandhinii is qualified as being a ten-day period.

“The milk of a female animal [sandhinii] whose offspring is not ten days old.” (Reference)

So this link clarifies that sandhinii refers to a ten-day period for the cow after giving birth.

APPLYING THIS TO TODAY’S MILK MARKET

Now that we have confirmed that our Ananda Marga guideline is that milk from a cow that has given birth less than 10 days ago is tamasika, we should compare this with today’s markets around the world.

In the US, government regulations stipulate that dairy farms / manufacturers cannot sell milk from a newly-calved cow for 4 days. After that 4 day period, it is approved by the FDA for human consumption. That is the standard in the USA.

In Ananda Marga our standard is different. Baba guides us that we should not drink milk from a sandhinii cow (a newly-calved cow) i.e. within a 10-day period of delivering her calf. Thus, any milk made in the US during that 6-day window, i.e. day 4 to day 10 after a cow has given birth, is tamasika. Whether it is organic or not, that milk is classified as tamasika according to our Ananda Marga standard.

So the problem is that there is no way of knowing which milk on the shelf in the US was produced during that period. By this standard, it is literally impossible to know if the milk you are buying in the US is tamasika or not.

In the area where you live, you should find out what the laws and regulations are. Because if the standard is less than the specified 10-day period as given in Ananda Marga, then there will be tamasika milk on the shelves in stores.

For instance, let’s say in Italy the rule is not to produce milk from a newly-calved cow for 5 days after giving birth, then there is a remaining 5-day window wherein tamasika milk is being produced, and hence sold in stores. Let’s take another hypothetical example. Let’s say in Argentina the rule is not to produce milk for 12 days after a cow has given birth. In that case, the milk produced in Argentina is sentient (at least on this factor) according to our Ananda Marga guideline. Because our guideline is a 10-day period, at minimum, and Argentina is going beyond that mark. These are all hypothetical examples, but the point is understood.

Any milk produced by a newly-calved cow / sandhinii cow that is less than the mandatory 10-day waiting period is tamasika.

CONCLUSION

Unless we have perfect proof about how the milk is produced, then we have to assume that the milk sold in stores is tamasika. It might contain steroids or other harmful agents; it might be from a newly-calved cow and thus contain colostrum; or it might be a product of commercial factory farming etc. In all such cases that milk is tamasika and must be avoided.

We must reflect again: Unless we have perfect proof about how the milk is produced, then we have to assume that the milk sold in stores is tamasika. That is the only way to approach it; drinking any milk from any store is to walk along a slippery slope – anything is possible. One may fall at any moment. That milk may be tamasika, possibly or even probably so.

Verily there are may do’s and don’ts regarding the sanctity of milk. Best is to just assume that all milk from a regular supermarket etc is tamasika. Remember, when store-bought milk itself is tamasika, then it is also means that those products produced from and using that milk are also tamasika: butter, cream, cheese, sour cream, yogurt etc.

Finally, the key point of waiting 10 days after the birth before milking a cow for human consumption applies to buffaloes and goats as well.

Namaskar,
Satyashrayii

Note 1: NEO-HUMANISTIC REASON

There is also a neo-humanistic reason why as Ananda Margiis we refrain from taking milk from a newly-calved cow:

We are to watch for the well-being of all creatures, including baby calves. We are to ensure those calves get all the food and nutrition they need. One way of ensuring this is to not deprive them of any of their mother’s milk.

Baba Himself has expressed this point in His teachings.

Note 2: IT SPLITS

Milk from newly calved cow – produced within that 10-day period – will split when it is boiled. It will separate into water and solids. That is why those who have cows do not use that milk. Nor will small farmers give that milk to customers. It will give them a bad reputation.

But when that sandhinii milk is added to thousands of gallons of other milk then it may not split. So big companies may be hiding that sadhinii milk in their big vats of milk.

A sadhinii cow produces very thick milk; after that ten-day window the milk produced by the cow becomes thinner and of a more normal consistency.

Note 3: BABA’S TEACHINGS

Baba says, “Those who consume a lot of static food also emit this sort of foul smell…Similarly, an intensely foul smell is emitted from the bodies of tigers because they are carnivorous…A hilsa fish (an Indian herring) is extremely fond of flesh – rotten flesh is its favourite food – hence it produces a kind of repulsive secretion. If a fish bowl or container which held hilsa fish is cleaned with a cloth, and the cloth is used to clean another container, a repulsive smell will be emitted from the second container unless it is properly ventilated. A vegetarian will feel uncomfortable if this container is used for eating, drinking or anything else. Strict vegetarians avoid using any container which has been used to hold non-vegetarian food.” (Microvita in a Nutshell, ‘Some Examples of Microvita in Daily Life – Section C’)

Baba says, “Strict vegetarians avoid using any container which has been used to hold non-vegetarian food.” (Microvita in a Nutshell)

Baba says, “Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static. Very often people eat food without knowing its intrinsic qualities. For example, the milk of a cow which has just given birth. Or white eggplant, khesárii pulse [horse gram], red puni [Basella rubra Linn.], or mustard leaves, all of which often grew out of rotten matter. In order to have a balanced mind and to progress spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of the food they eat. The idea that “I will just do my sádhaná and eat any food, proper or improper” will not do.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy In A Nutshells, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development)

Baba says, “Támasika áhára: All kinds of foods which are harmful to either the body or mind and may or may not be harmful to the other are called támasika. Stale and rotten food, the flesh of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, and all types of intoxicants, are categorized as támasika. Small amounts of tea, cocoa and similar drinks which do not excite a person to the point of losing his/her senses are in the rájasika category. The milk of a newly-calved cow, white brinjals, khesárii dál, green vegetables of the type of red puni or mustard are támasika. Masúr dál cooked for one meal will become támasika by the next meal.” (Caryacarya – 3, Procedure for Eating)

Baba, due to my extreme vanity and ignorance, in my heart I was thinking that everything – all my material possessions like money, wealth, post, position, might, and strength – is really mine and that they will remain with me up to eternity. In this way I was deluded. By Your grace You have blessed me with samvit [1] and an awakening has come. Today I have realised that all those worldly things are transitory: They are not mine. They do not belong to me permanently. Rather I have come alone onto this dusty earth, and one day I will depart this earth and will have to leave everything behind. Baba in this universe nothing is mine except You. O’ Lord, You have given me the gift of bhakti and with the devotional mind I can understand that You – and only You – are mine. Because of this I am always singing Your divine glory and I am always engaged in the depths of Your ideation. in my heart I feel that You are everything. Every moment I follow Your path and ultimately by Your grace I surrender at Your alter – O’ my Lord.

Baba, Your liila of Yours is unfathomable: It is full of diversity. On the one side, all the organs of my existence are engaged in negative interactions and crude dealings. The voice is drowned in its own arrogance and makes utterances filled with its own ego and audacity; and the eye is glued to its own feeling of superiority and vanity. With this vain outlook, there is disdain and disgust for others. All these negative features are rampant. And then on the other side these organs do all kinds of positive works and dharmic pursuits. They engage in shravan, manan, niddhidhyasana [2], dhyana, japa, dharana, kiirtan, and puja etc. Baba, in this liila of Yours, all these negative and positive activities are happening right in front of Your very eyes. You can see it all happening before You.

Baba, my mind is wild. I do not have the necessary strength to control it and therefore ask for Your mercy and surrender at Your lotus feet. By the shadow of Your infinite grace, by Your divine compassion, by Your sweet ideation, by doing kiirtan and sadhana etc, I can control that wild mind which is running under the intoxication of maya. Baba, by Your grace I can keep that wild mind cool, calm, and quiet – pointed towards Your divine Self.

Baba, You are my ultimate shelter; I surrender at Your lotus feet…

END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #715:

[1] Samvit: Baba says, “The popular meaning of sam’vit shakti is “awareness”– awakening from slumber. With the help of sam’vit shakti, unit beings become aware of their existence. They realise that they are the crown of creation, the most evolved beings whose goal is to attain the supreme rank and dispel the darkness of the avaran’ii shakti of avidyamaya.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in A Nutshell – 4)